Archives: News
Small Business Saturday: Community Building One Mom and Pop Store at a Time
Flagler, FL – Almost every day at the BeachHouse Beanery I feel that I make some special connection with at least one visitor, usually several times a day. A month or so ago, I overheard a conversation in which one woman was looking for an apartment in Flagler Beach, as she’d been “camping out” with relatives for quite some time. I just happened to know about an apartment close by that had just been vacated. I excused myself for eavesdropping, but suggested she check out that apartment.
Standing Out With Bags of Charm
Hull, UK – Scruffy Little Cat sits like a little retail oasis on the section of Holderness Road, just up from East Park.
It is not the most obvious destination for a super-girly shopping trip but if you do make it up that way it is unlikely you would be disappointed.
Martha’s Candy Thrives Under New Ownership
Glendora, CA – Virtually all of us have had one in our lives – a place where we went as kids, or an after-school destination where we could take our children. A place wrapped in warm memories of time spent with family and friends.
That’s a big part of what motivated Jana Jones and her daughter, Joyanne Postajian, to buy Martha’s Candies, the Chocolate Florist.
Former owner Pamela Ganas had been struggling to keep the Glendora shop open and was about to close in December.
Three NYIGF Seminars Approved for IDCEC CEU Certification
Three seminars offered at the summer edition of the New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®) have been approved by the Interior Design Continuing Education Council (IDCEC) as credit-earning sessions in its continuing education program. Each of the following sessions will earn attendees 0.1 CEU credit: “Open House –What’s Hot in Home Design?” on August 19; “Color Trends and Practical Applications” on August 20; and “DOUBLE DOSSIER: Fashion Designers on Home.
Zak’s Grape Confetti Combines Hot Color and Cool Products
This fall, one of Zak Designs’ most popular product lines of all time will be available in one of the hottest colors sweeping the country.
Grape Confetti is the newest offering in a line that includes a wide range of dinnerware, serveware, and kitchen prep products.
Candy Bouquet Moves Downtown
Canon City, CO – It is on the move to a better location, where merchandise will be more visible to the public.
After opening Candy Bouquet in their home in February, Connie Dickens and Michelle Anderson moved the business to 117 N. Fifth St. near the downtown area of Cañon City.
In addition to making the candy bouquets, the store offers plaques, mugs, vases, lamps, candles from Mountain Canyon Candles, handmade scarves, name badge lanyards, redneck wine glasses and, in the future, the owners plan to make baskets to sell.
Local Storeowner Encourages Downtown Shopping
Prince Albert, SK – Grace Dansereau started her boutique shop TaDa Shopping just over 10 months ago on Central Avenue.
TaDa Shopping carries a number of unique items that are difficult to find anywhere else.
“I like to use the words funky, unique (and) different for my shop because (customers are) not going to find these products in the chains or the big box stores,” Dansereau said. “Yet my prices are definitely in line with them. People tend to think smaller shops don’t give you bargains but it’s really a fallacy, we try very hard to be competitive.”
Jitni Announces New Line of Scarves
Jitni, creator of luxurious handmade scarves made from cashmere, silk and fine knits in a variety of styles, announces a 2012 line available on http://jitni.com.
Jitni’s new line of scarves breaks through traditional, everyday offerings by starting with natural colors, breathable fabrics and free-flowing comfort. Positioned at the intersection of bold, urban energy and serene, natural beauty, Jitni accessories capture the modern-day spirit of luxury, adventure and travel.
“Jitni follows a simple philosophy.
New Manayunk Gift Shop Expands on Old Latitudes
Manayunk, PA – Meredith Podob has an extensive background. But the industrial engineer, graphic designer and new business owner also boasts nearly a decade of retail experience on Main Street.
Before Podob opened Latitudes and Longitudes at 4325 Main St., she worked off-and-on while in college at Philadelphia University and after for long-time merchant Joan Castronuovo, owner of Latitudes Fine Craft Gifts.
Three Exhibitors Awarded Outstanding Achievement in Visual Merchandising at Gift+Home at Las Vegas Market
Three gift and home décor exhibitors were recognized this week for Outstanding Achievement in Visual Merchandising at Gift+Home at the 2012 Summer Las Vegas Market. Primitives by Kathy, eyebobs eyewear and The Naked Bee all took home awards commending their aesthetic sensibility. Each winner received celebratory flowers and champagne, plus a credit toward space at the next Market.
Celebrity designer Monica Pedersen of HGTV and home products and trends editor Julie Smith Vincenti evaluated spaces on innovation, creativity, technique and aesthetic.
Westfield Announces Significant Upgrades to Free Westfield Mobile App v2.0
Just in time for what the National Retail Federation predicts to be a big year for back-to-school shopping, Westfield Group, which owns and operates 48 malls throughout the U.S., has announced significant upgrades to its free Westfield App v2.0.
OFM and Swingline Launch the Hands Off My Stapler Contest
OFM, a leading office and school furniture manufacturer, distributor, and wholesaler, together with Swingline, the makers of the iconic Red Swingline Stapler, have launched the Hands Off My Stapler Contest.
“This is a fun contest for people to share the creative ways they keep their stapler at their desk,” said Blake Zalcberg, co-founder and chief executive officer of OFM.
The 12 Days of Christmas Celebrated in Exquisitely Detailed Springerle Cookie Molds, Ideal for Baking and Crafting
House on the Hill, known for its replica cookie molds in a variety of images, has debuted 14 new Springerle molds celebrating the holiday and winter season. Commissioned by House on the Hill owner Connie Meisinger, designed by Judy Jeske and originally hand-carved in fruit wood by Vince Marine, all residents of the Chicago area, the new cookie molds are replicated and hand-finished.
FunkyChunky Releases New Flavor – Ronni’s Popcorn
Ronni Feuer, the founder and creator of FunkyChunky, was a wife, mother, grandmother entrepreneur, artist and chocolatier. Like millions of women, Ronni also fought breast cancer.
As a tribute to Ronni – and all women whose lives have been affected by breast cancer – FunkyChunky is proud to introduce a Special Edition of her signature FunkyChunky Popcorn – Ronni’s Popcorn.
Glamour to Reward Good Grades
La Grange, IL – Kids should just think learning is fun, say the owners of a small boutique in downtown La Grange, but a little reward never hurt—especially if it’s a Justin Bieber poster.
To encourage kids to excel in their classes this school year, Glamour, located at 20 E. Burlington Ave. in downtown La Grange, is helping parents by giving kids some motivation.
“Education is number one to us,” said owner Maritza Thompson at her shop recently. “There aren’t too many businesses pushing education. We want to make it fun.”
Here’s One Mob that Plainwell Officials are Happy to Host
Plainwell, MI – Plainwell’s got a mob scheduled for Saturday, but city officials aren’t worried about pitchforks or torches. This mob will be waving cash.
With downtown foot traffic hampered this summer by construction on the M-89 bridge, Plainwell has been hosting a cash mob on the first Saturday of the month to help out local businesses.
The shop-local phenomena, which are usually organized through social media and operate like a flash mob, have been around for several years. But this year is the first time Plainwell has tried it.
Mother-Daughter Team up to Gift Temecula with The Farmer’s Wife
Temecula, CA – Maybe you’ve idled by The Farmer’s Wife after stopping by the Old Town Temecula Starbucks for a latte.
Ann Marie’s Blends Retail With Style
Beaverton, MI – Put artistic talent, business savvy, and a commitment to community together and you have Ann Marie Heath, proprietor and manager of Ann Marie’s Gifts & Home Décor in downtown Beaverton. Located at 128 W. Brown Street, just two doors west of Beaverton City Hall, Ann Marie’s opened for business on June 22.
Heath has made creative use of floor and wall space for displays, which are arranged to leave plenty of space for browsing and easy wheelchair maneuvering. Merchandise is constantly changing as Heath responds to shoppers’ needs and introduces new items.
“Serve on the Front / Cut on the Back!”
I’d love the opportunity to introduce your customers to the unique inlaid bread and cheese boards, cutting boards and lazy susans that are being produced daily by Kentucky craftsmen.
Bill and Jennifer Adams have been manufacturing inlays and medallions for over 15 years (John Travolta even has one of Bill’s Nautical Star inlays installed in his Florida home!) with their flooring manufacturing company, Custom Hardwood Supply.
Special Announcement Regarding Future Plans for Gift + Home at Las Vegas Market
Today, International Market Centers (IMC) announces plans for a strategic evolution for Gift + Home at Las Vegas Market that will firmly position it as the most comprehensive buying platform for buyers in the Western United States. This three-phase plan designates 13 floors in Building C comprising 1.7 million square feet as the destination for Gift + Home Décor.